The use of Copen – a locally manufactured drug, has become popular among students at a secondary school in Choiseul province.
The practice is confirmed to involve both male and female students.
It was made from a mixture of tobacco and other substances.
According to a student who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the practice has been going on for some time without the knowledge of the school staff.
He said, among the students taking the drug, majority of them were females.
“They often consume it while attending classes and can be easily identified through their eyes,” he stated.
He added most of the students were unable to concentrate in class due to heavy consumption of the drug.
“It started with just a few students, but now it’s spreading,” he said.
He explained that the practice often involves munching the substance until it has completely dissolved in the mouth.
Despite warnings from health officials about the substance’s risks, the drug had already infiltrated the schools in the province.
The use of Copen is extremely dangerous and can lead to poisoning, long term organ damage, and even death.
The student further revealed that brewing home-brew and consuming alcohol have become common in the school dormitories.
“This activity has been going on and has affected other students who were concentrating on their studies,” he said.
When contacted for comment, a school staff who wished to remain anonymous said that they suspected a few students who might involved in this dangerous activity.
“We have noticed their academic performance and class attendance are very poor, likely the effect of the drug,” she said.
Meanwhile, the sniffing of petroleum, a new way of consuming drugs was recently introduced, and many students were seen practising it.
However, several incidents involving Copen over the past few years have demonstrated that this drug is highly dangerous.
By GEHAZI SEKO
Solomon Star stringer, Taro
